The Weekly Buzz
Now that the recruiting news cycle has been replaced with the waiting game going into 7-on-7 drills and spring football practice, you'd think there wasn't much to talk about. Like its fans, the athletic department and football team never sleeps when it comes to keeping active during the off season. Bo Pelini is now the fifth highest paid head coach in the Big 12. Thankfully, Rickey Thenarse will be having a busy spring rehabilitating instead of moving onto life after football. With the green jersey's coming off for quarterbacks, let's hope we don't have to see anyone else overcoming injury this spring.
Bo's getting what he deserves » Not only does he retain his complete coaching staff for the third season in a row (all happily sitting with brand new raises), but he's now getting a raise to match what most thought he should be getting anyway. The stability he's brought to the program should be continued well into the future.
Another chance to make a good impression » Rickey Thenarse is, in his own words, 90% and almost ready to compete in 7-on-7. His competition with Matt O'Hanlon before his injury makes this upcoming year's safety depth a little less of a concern.
Open season on QB's? » Let's hope those coaches know what they're doing by removing the green contact jerseys. The wide open competition means that they will have to evaluate which quarterbacks can take a hit as well. The bigger item of note is not that contact is going to be happening in practice, but that the coaches are wanting a running plan to incorporate a quarterback rushing attack as well. Let's hope that this opens up a level of "creativity" that was missing in the offense this past season.
San Diego, Ca.
2/20/2010
“We want to make sure our salaries are competitive, which we’ve done,” Osborne said.”
That doesn’t mean there’s automatically going to be raises every year.”
But, that’s the way to bet.
Time now to “prove it on the dance floor.”
With Wat’s only getting 5 large extra, that sends a subtle message. Even Barney got more that that.
So, this could be a “resume year” for Wat’s.
Actually though, the pay jumps won’t cover the tax increases, but they should be able to get by, in Lincoln.
Hopefully, Thenarse’ll be ready by the opener.
I interpret “90%” to mean strength of course, but also quickness, burst. Confidence.
He was about even with O’Hanlon, so getting his experience back with Hagg and the younger crew, is clutch. This just reminds me of PJ Smith. Safety could even be improved.
The uninjured Quarterbacks going “live,” is a great opportunity for someone to breakout.
You’ve got numbers of QBs, but seemingly not much separation. Certainly, at the moment, there’s no one ready to surpass a healthy Lee.
It’s right there for Green. Can he snatch it?
Previously, in an offense with this style, reps (coaching) are at a premium. They only had so many chances to impress.
Now, if a guy’s got the quicks to reach the edge and run wild and free past the line of scrimmage, that’ll be duly noted.
In scrimmages, Pelini might freak out over his lack of contain, but it’s good for everybody.
You keep bringing in guys who can scoot at a legimate sub 4.6, at some point you’ll end up with a “playa.”
Bound to happen.
I’m thinking this could be an offense that’ll finally come close to approximating what Solich and big Barney had planned for it to evolve to, following the ‘03 season.
I mean, what’s 6 years?...
Pass percentage might drop, but if yards per completion doubles up on yards per attempt, like during the option years, that’ll make up for it.
You get a few more wide open play-action pass opportunities, plus better run-play matchups and more space, rounding past the edge.
It’s a win win.
2/20/2010
I think the biggest issue with taking off the green jersey is the offensive line now has to man up on every play during scrimmage. It will weed out the week O-line players. This is a huge thing and I for one am glad.
Kansas City, MO
2/20/2010
Hadn’t really thought of the offensive and defensive line affects of removing the green no-contact jerseys. The trenches are going to have to do their job to protect/get to the quarterback. In actuality, I think this may step up the practice for the whole team as many players are going to want their chance to look good by getting to the quarterback or making the play to help the quarterback.
2/21/2010
The d-line and o-line is going to be a battle for jobs. Should be pretty intense. It sounds like Lee wont be practicing this spring. You have Green, Spano, Martinez and Washington all competing for the #2 spot if not a long shot for #1. They will all get a lot of reps and have a chance to show what they can do on their feet. Watson says Martinez is an amazing runner and may be utilized for that ability alone. I have to say I am excited about the direction they are going w/ QB—- developing true dual threat QBs. And I am excited to see these younger guys develop. I don’t think they are going to beat out a healthy Zach Lee, but I would like to see the #2 QB being thrown into the game to contribute (much like Green this past year). By the way, does anyone know if Carnes is going to be on campus for spring ball?